AJP - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, Vol 250, Issue 4 540-G545, Copyright © 1986 by American Physiological Society
Gamma radiation affects active electrolyte transport by rabbit ileum: basal Na and Cl transport
P. J. Gunter-Smith
The effect of whole-body gamma radiation (5-12 Gy) on electrolyte transport
by rabbit ileum in vitro was assessed for 1-96 h postirradiation using the
short-circuit technique and radioisotopic fluxes. Although there was no
effect of radiation on short-circuit current (Isc), transepithelial
potential, or resistance 1 h after exposure, by 24 h the basal parameters
of ileal segments isolated from irradiated animals were significantly
greater than those of sham-irradiated controls. The Isc increased in a
dose-dependent fashion and was greatest 24 h postexposure. Isotope flux
experiments revealed that the increased Isc following irradiation resulted
in part from a stimulation of active serosal-to-mucosal net Cl flux. There
was no observable change in net Na transport. The results demonstrate that
radiation exposure alters cellular transport processes, which may
contribute to the fluid and electrolyte imbalance observed following
radiation exposure.
